One Not-So-Bold 2017 MLB Season Prediction

PHILADELPHIA, PA (CBS) — Over the last four years the Phillies have averaged 92 losses a season. This year could take a nibble out of that average but not by much. What’s worse is expect the Washington Nationals to be better than 2016, though a little closer to the National League East pack.

Washington tried for Chris Sale, but added outfielder Adam Eaton and will have rising superstar Trea Turner for a whole season to comprise one of the best table-setting combos in baseball, especially if Bryce Harper is Bryce Harper again and Daniel Murphy can get close to 25 home runs and 104 RBIs as he did in 2016.

The Phillies should be slightly better than last year’s 71-91, though not by much. Obviously, much will depend on the rotation of stopgap starters Jeremy Hellickson and Clay Buchholz at the top, and hope for the continued development of Jerad Eickhoff, Aaron Nola and Vince Velasquez. The offense can only get better after finishing last in the National League in runs (610), total bases (2,090), doubles (231), and on-base slugging percentage (.685) and first-to-last in on-base percentage (.301).

The Phillies are still light years behind the Chicago Cubs, who are almost as young as the Phillies (ave. age 27.8 in 2016-Cubs ave. age 28.8).

The Cubs appear destined to repeat as World Series champs, and it may not be that bold of a stretch to predict a series rematch with the Cleveland Indians, who added Edwin Encarnacion (42 HRs, 127 RBIs in 2016).